Donaire, Arce share mutual respect…

By Jeff Reiners for Fightnews.com

A mariachi band entertained a legion of Jorge Arce supporters prior to the weigh in Friday in Houston. The event drew a large contingent of Mexican fans hoping to spur their man to an upset. Legends in attendance included Marco Antonio Barrera and Julio Cesar Chavez. Both fan favorites were swarmed as they prepared for a joint appearance on Mexican television.

Arce weighed in naked at 122, with Donaire helping to hold the shielding towel. Donaire came in a half pound under the junior featherweight limit at 121.5, immediately consuming a sports drink after making weight.

The two combatants playfully tugged at the WBO belt they will fight for Saturday night. Each fighter showed mutual respect for the other. The mood was joyous as Arce fans yelled for their man while Donaire struck an incredible hulk pose for the assembled media.